Obituary of Juanita Coleman Jones

Juanita Coleman was born in Virgie, Kentucky on April 8, 1939.   She was one of seven children born from the union of the late Chauncey and Callie (Thacker) Coleman.   She graduated from Hellier High School in Pikeville, Kentucky.   In 1960, she moved to Cleveland where she would meet her soulmate, William Branson Jones.   The couple moved to Detroit in 1962 and then finally would settle in Carleton in 1973, but not before being blessed with three children of their own.  

Juanita was the consummate matriarch of her family.   Small in stature, she could be quite headstrong and stubborn, and was well-known for her toughness.   She, however, had a true passion for children and was the sweetest woman, being a mom to the neighborhood and all her children’s friends.  Working as a waitress and short order cook, she grew to love cooking.   This afforded the opportunity to share recipes for sausage gravy and biscuits and peanut butter fudge with her grandchildren.

Juanita loved all of God’s creations and spent some of her most cherished time on the front porch rocking chair or sitting in the backyard watching the birds and squirrels.

An Irish spitfire, Juanita, enjoyed entertaining guests in her home.   She often broke out puzzles, dice, and card games with which to entertain family and friends.   She also enjoyed reading.  

Juanita Coleman Jones, age 81, of Monroe passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehab.   In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her husband:  William; two grandsons:  Erik Jones and Ethan Michael Rowe; and five siblings: Vivian (Smitty) Starling, John Robert (Madge) Coleman, Myrtle (Bill) Bevins, Charles Herbert, and Glen Vernon (Darlene) Coleman.

To cherish her memory she leaves three children: Teresa Elaine (Daniel) Emmert of Dundee, Michele Renee Jones of Monroe, and Trindle Lee Jones of Gladwin; three grandchildren: William Arthur Jones of Monroe, Leisha Jeanna Rose (Kelly Livingston) Jones of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Alex Shayla Arron (Cody Wiggins) Jones of Dickson, Tennessee; one sister: Geraldine (Lester B.) Walker of Somerset, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews; and multiple adopted children and grandchildren.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery in Flat Rock.   Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185 has been entrusted with her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.   Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.